Accidents Quote by Alexander Hamilton
“It has been frequently remarked, that it seems to have been reserved to the people of this country to decide, by their conduct and example, the important question, whether societies of men are really capable or not, of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on accident and force.”
About This Quote
Source Letter: The Federalist Papers, No. 23, 1788
Societies must choose good governance through reflection and choice, not by accident or force.
In simple terms: Good government requires deliberate choice, not chance.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize thoughtful civic participation.
Themes
politics
governance
choice
Mood
serious
hopeful
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elections
- public policy formation
- community organizing
Key Concepts
democratic theory
civic responsibility
political philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can citizens ensure choices are informed?
- What safeguards prevent governance from falling to accident?
A Different Perspective
Assumes rationality that may be absent in practice.
![“[W]ar is a question, under our constitution, not of Executive, but of Legislative cognizance. It belongs to Congress to say whether the Nation shall of choice dismiss the olive branch and unfurl the banners of War.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bd8/alexander-hamilton-619_banner_w-ar-is-a-question-under-our-constitutio_33383.jpg)
![“It is one thing to be subordinate to the laws, and another [for the Executive] to be dependent on the legislative body. The first comports with, the last violates, the fundamental principles of good government; and, whatever may be the forms of the Constitution, unites all power in the same hands.” quote by Alexander Hamilton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/be4/alexander-hamilton-619_body_it-is-one-thing-to-be-subordinate-to-the_129196.jpg)
